tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193441852018-05-21T03:21:52.816-04:00Far From HomeJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-64168898880403878672017-10-15T18:33:00.001-04:002017-10-15T18:42:41.597-04:00When Hard Seasons Last... and Last.<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are anything like me, you are probably familiar with the idea of being in a certain “season of life”.&nbsp; A busy season at work.&nbsp; The Christmas Season.&nbsp; Maybe even “buck” season if you are a hunter.&nbsp; Maybe you are in a season with a newborn, or toddler?&nbsp; Our seasonal calendar allows for 3 months per season, give or take.&nbsp; Our human concept of time revolves around the changing seasons, and there is hope in that. The very concept of the word season suggests that it comes and then it goes.&nbsp; It ends.&nbsp; We know that even tho things are a certain way now, they will soon change. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">But the struggle I am wrestling with at the moment, and maybe you are too, is what if they don’t?&nbsp; What do we do when the season we are in seems to last forever?&nbsp; How do we hold out hope when month after month, and for me at the moment year after year, despite our very best efforts, things remain hard.&nbsp; We do all we know to do, talk to all the people, believe all the right things, trust and hope and PRAY, and yet, God remains silent.&nbsp; What then?</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This has been the genuine struggle of my life over the past few years.&nbsp; Life was clicking along one way, until it wasn’t, and ever since that moment in time, I have been on a rollercoaster of faith wanting to believe all the things I know to be true, but genuinely unsure of how they CAN be true when things look the way they look now.&nbsp; How can a good God allow this??&nbsp; How can He be using this train-wreck for good??&nbsp; What good am I to the kingdom or the world if I cant even clean up the mess that is my own life??&nbsp; What have I been working so hard for my whole life if in a split second it can ALL become rubble??&nbsp; These were and sometimes still are the painful questions that roll thru my mind…&nbsp; And if you are reading this to find the answer, feel free to stop reading now.&nbsp; I don’t have one.&nbsp; I am just a sister on the road towards heaven with many of you, wrestling with the pain of this life and trying to make sense of how to be faithful while God is at work seemingly behind the scenes. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Maybe this is you.&nbsp; Or maybe its someone you love dearly?&nbsp; I think as a Christ follower we all know how to bear down and survive the hard seasons of life when the hard part is a manageable amount of time.&nbsp; You know, like 3-6 months?&nbsp;(Thank you Shannan Martin for quantifying this for me.) &nbsp;We all know we can do hard things for a reasonable amount of time.&nbsp; We gather our support system around us, make the necessary lifestyle changes we need to make, and hunker down to ride out the storm.&nbsp; This, we know how to do. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What I did not know how to do, and still struggle with if I am being fully transparent, is what to do when the “season” lasts MUCH longer than I am ok with?&nbsp; In my personal life, I am over 2.5 years into this time of my life that I did not ask for nor expect, and as far as I can tell, there is no end in sight.&nbsp; (I would like to add here that “Lord, I do hope I am wrong about this last sentence!” ;) )&nbsp; I continue to do all the things I know to do, and yet, as far as I can tell, God STILL remains silent.&nbsp; This is a kind of pain and frustration I had never in my life experienced before, and I sure do not love it.&nbsp; But it has given me a perspective I did not have before, and I am sure that at some point in my future I will find this information valuable, because I believe God does not waste pain, but that is much easier to believe for other people than for yourself while you are in the midst of the storm. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If I can share anything with you that may bring comfort or encouragement, let it be this.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">1- If you yourself are in the midst of a long stormy season of unknowns and frustration, you are not alone.&nbsp; You are not the first or the last person who is feeling this way or experiencing this pain.&nbsp; I know it feels you like you are.&nbsp; Trust ME I know.&nbsp; But you aren’t, and feelings lie loudly and all the time.&nbsp; So cling to the TRUTH with both hands, and surround yourself with people who will point you to and remind you of that truth. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are the friend or loved one of someone in a season like this, PLEASE keep showing up!&nbsp; We know it gets old.&nbsp; We feel like the burden who cant seem to get it together.&nbsp; We feel like this should be resolved already.&nbsp; Your friendship and support, your PRESENCE, your smiles, encouragement, gift cards, written notes, calls, invitations, and so on… they MATTER.&nbsp; Please know you are being the hands and feet of Jesus as you are loving us through this season.&nbsp; You mean more to us than we will ever be able to articulate, I promise you. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">2- Stay IN the Word.&nbsp; I know this is hard.&nbsp; I know you are tempted to give up.&nbsp; I know you think ‘what difference does it make?’&nbsp; But, ask the Lord to lead you to the passage He needs you to know, and then listen for His voice in it…&nbsp; Study it, memorize it, listen to pastors you respect teach on it… God’s word is living and active, and it WILL help you through 1 more day.&nbsp; Sometimes thats all we can ask for… Surviving today.&nbsp; And, clinging to and studying God’s love letter to you WILL HELP. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">3- Take care of you.&nbsp; Do things you love.&nbsp; Build in time and space to be alone, and feel all the feelings.&nbsp; And also take care and love on others.&nbsp; There is a balance between focusing solely on ourselves, and spending time loving on and caring for those around you.&nbsp; Invite your neighbors over for dinner.&nbsp; Get to know someone who has less than you do, or someone who is hurting.&nbsp; Be the hands and feet of Jesus for someone else as you cling to and long for Jesus to show up in a big way in your life, and I promise you, you will see Him. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I wish I could end this post with the answer to how to wrap up or end this time in your life. &nbsp;I wish I could say "What I have learned is... and thats how you get out!" &nbsp;Sadly, that is not the case. &nbsp;However, I am learning in the long and stormy, dark nights of the soul, God does still show up. &nbsp;He has shown me that it isn't until He is literally ALL I have, that I learned that is enough. &nbsp;Not because the Bible tells me so, but also because I have lived it, experienced it, see it with my own two eyes... And thats not nothing. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;">I will leave you with this song. &nbsp;One that I recently learned but has spoken deeply to my heart. &nbsp;Perhaps it will bless you also. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_lnQIITxU" target="_blank">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6:36&nbsp;Do It again - Elevation Worship</a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-42145013283882663712017-01-31T09:30:00.002-05:002017-01-31T18:06:15.617-05:00Light Shines Brightest in the Dark - Reflections on a Trying Week.This has been a hard week and a half for me. &nbsp;As a life long holder of minority opinions, a possessor of a deep God given sense of justice and care for the less fortunate, and an always growing personal understanding of the God of the Bible and how much He loves this world, the events of this past week and their global impact have caused me unbelievable grief. &nbsp;I have struggled both inwardly and externally to process what is going on in the world and try to understand how in the HECK we got here? &nbsp;I wonder if you can relate? &nbsp;I have questioned God, questioned myself, questioned the church, and spent far more time than is normal for me on the verge of tears. &nbsp;Every story I read, every photo I see freshly reminds me that these are real people being affected... mommas and daddies, siblings and friends, aunts and grandparents... hurting and displaced in the world right now the vast majority for reasons that are not their own. &nbsp;And while I know the truth is that has been true from the dawn of time for some people group at some point in the world, right now, its Syrians, and instead of welcoming them with open arms an reliving in some small way the pain and fear they are experiencing, our nation just wrongly called them dangerous and slammed the door in their faces. &nbsp;These are victims, and are leader is treating them like they are not even human.<br /><br />In my attempt to find sanity and connect with the Lord on all I was feeling and processing, I headed into nature to walk and worship and pray and LISTEN. &nbsp;I needed some wisdom from outside myself on what the Lord is up to and how can this possible be happening in 2017 on our watch? &nbsp;Before my walk I was reminded of this passage from Matthew, and the verses had been running thru my head all morning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXVjdAWWkKg/WJCU0hUnXWI/AAAAAAAAAbg/GDsCT9WTJyUBUl17ZD7bWl3uwUnzYSc_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXVjdAWWkKg/WJCU0hUnXWI/AAAAAAAAAbg/GDsCT9WTJyUBUl17ZD7bWl3uwUnzYSc_QCLcB/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />As someone who professes to know and desires to follow the God of the universe, I take God at His word and therefore believe that the Bible is true, and that Jesus meant what He said. &nbsp;In the verse above, when asked point blank what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, "Love God, Love People." &nbsp;But He doesn't just leave it there... He goes so far as to say "Love others AS YOURSELF." <br /><br />What does that mean?? &nbsp;That means if I want a safe home for me and my family, then I ALSO and EQUALLY MUST want that for you also. <br /><br />If I want food and and jobs for me and my family, then I ALSO and EQUALLY MUST want that for others.<br /><br />If I want access to eduction for me and my family, then I ALSO and EQUALLY am commanded by God to want that for others also. <br /><br />If I want healthcare and access to doctors and medical treatment for me and my family, then I ALSO and EQUALLY MUST want that for others in the world. <br /><br />If I want FREEDOM and the option to choose my Religion and to practice what I believe, then I ALSO and EQUALLY MUST want that for others in the world as well. <br /><br />I could go on and on and on, but I feel like the point is clear. &nbsp;The Bible tells me I am to love my neighbors AS MYSELF. &nbsp;It doesn't say neighbors I agree with or that share my religious beliefs or sexual orientation or political view..... It says AS MYSELF. &nbsp;And I know that if I was forced to leave everything I knew and loved, everything I had spent my life building because crazy people came and made things so unsafe there was no other option but to flee, I would PRAY and DESIRE for someone to care and to come and to love on me and my kids. &nbsp;To be the blessing we needed in those dark, dark days. &nbsp;To meet needs we could not possibly meet in our given circumstances. &nbsp;To believe in me and to care enough to be inconvenienced until I was able to make heads or tails of the chaos that had been inflicted upon me and my family. &nbsp;And since I know that is what I would want for me, and because I believe the Bible is true and Jesus didnt make a mistake in its writing, the only reasonable conclusion I can draw is that it is a SIN to see my neighbors around the world suffering and to care more about my comfort and conveniences than about them. <br /><br />If their suffering does not move me to sacrifice and action, I. Am. Wrong.<br /><br />And so, this is the frame of mind I am in when the Lord meets as I am crying out to Him about all I am seeing and feeling and wanting Him to fix. &nbsp;And His response is so clear. <br /><br />"Jordan, my plan is that this will be My Peoples finest hour. &nbsp;Light shines brightest in the DARK. &nbsp;I know things seem dark now, but be assured I have given My people, who are called by My name, every thing they need to shine brightly in these dark days. &nbsp;If they will rise up and stand alongside their brothers and sisters in the world who are hurting... If they will be inconvenienced for the sake of the Gospel they say they believe, more people will SEE ME CLEARLY that you can even comprehend. &nbsp;I haven't left you. &nbsp;I haven't left them. &nbsp;I am here in the darkness, loving even those who do not yet know Me, and encouraging those who say they do to RISE UP and make me famous simply by how they LOVE the hurting and voiceless right in front of them."<br /><br />I can not even put into words the peace that came over me when I realized the opportunity that exists for a massive global display of LOVE to emerge from these dark days. &nbsp;We can all do something. &nbsp;We must love our neighbor. &nbsp;We do NOT need Washington to do that! &nbsp;If you, like me, say you are a Christ follower, we must be inconvenienced for the sake of the Gospel we say we believe. &nbsp;The time has come in our generation when we must put action to our words, and step out in faith loving people like NEVER before, &nbsp;knowing the God of the universe created and loves every single Muslim, Jew, atheist, agnostic, and otherwise just as much as He loves YOU. &nbsp;This is not a time to sit back and hope the world gets better. &nbsp;This is the time to Love wildly and without abandon knowing the stakes have never been higher. <br /><br />Our job is not to save people. &nbsp;Only Jesus does that. &nbsp;Our job is to LOVE THEM WITHOUT CONDITION. &nbsp;And every single one of us is capable of Love. &nbsp;And I do not have to agree with every decision you make in order to love you deeply. &nbsp;We are all human. &nbsp;Flaws are part of it. &nbsp;My job is to LOVE my neighbor as I love my own flawed self. &nbsp;The rest isn't up to me. <br /><br />Find an organization that is helping refugees and ask what you can do to actively help them in their efforts. &nbsp;Use your business to fundraise, sell somethings you don't need and donate the money, make cards with your kids and send them along with care packages, donate gently used items to a resettlement organization in your neighborhood, and on and on the list goes... Ask the Lord to show you what you are to do, and be willing to do whatever He brings to mind. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jennie Allen just posted a LOT of options to look into on her blog! Check out for more info!!&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>http://www.jennieallen.com/can-love-refugees-today-complete-list-organizations/</b></div><br /><br />If this is going to be the churches finest hour, what I can promise you is this. &nbsp;You don't want to miss it because you were scared or it was too inconvenient. &nbsp;Oh what a tragedy that would be!<br /><br />Light shines brightest in the dark. &nbsp;Have HOPE that the King is still on His throne, and then Shine Bright in these dark days my friends!! &nbsp;Never ever has the world needed it more. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-71320556282487698472016-09-19T08:57:00.000-04:002016-09-24T12:10:18.046-04:00Buyamba Uganda- An organization worth supporting.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />(Reflections on my recent visit to Uganda)<br /><br />Several times in a lifetime we have an experience that changes us forever. &nbsp;I mean, really changes us. &nbsp;Introduces us to new ideas, problems, or issues in the world that we can never again NOT know. &nbsp;We can pretend that encounter didnt happen, but really, we know it did. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_YQh_YZlY0/V-aR1TSitkI/AAAAAAAAAZc/qr0xTJfk3B0WJ8XrbCoDkCiurs9rFRisQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_YQh_YZlY0/V-aR1TSitkI/AAAAAAAAAZc/qr0xTJfk3B0WJ8XrbCoDkCiurs9rFRisQCLcB/s400/IMG_2586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Over the past 10 days I have had one such experience. &nbsp;I have been in Africa for the first time in my life, and it was beautiful and hard and refreshing all at the same time. &nbsp;If ever you get the opportunity to visit, I highly suggest you cease it. <br /><br />Personally, I had the opportunity to join a mission trip with my church to help at a children's camp for orphaned and needy children in Uganda. &nbsp;The organization we partner with is called Buyamba Uganda, and these people are the real deal. &nbsp;Talk about a group of people who LOVE GOD and LOVE KIDS!? &nbsp;Their passion for Jesus and wanting each child to know Him well is incredible! &nbsp;I was fortunate enough during this visit to get to have real educational conversations with several of the family members who work full time for Buyamba, which their father started, and their genuine passion for helping these children change the course of their futures is unlike any I have encountered before. &nbsp;Talk about a family who practices what they preach!! &nbsp;The Dongo family, who's father started Buyamba Uganda, is a living example of what it looks like to take the word of God to heart and act it out. &nbsp;I can only pray that one day the Lord will help me to take Him and His word as seriously as they do. &nbsp;Thank you, Dongo's, for being a living and active example to me of living like Jesus. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos-4.dropbox.com/t/2/AAAUt6MYQxJWD_bbqIZru01D0dGhDu37WQ0VcRv2RHCF_g/12/94518792/jpeg/256x256/1/_/1/2/Photo%20Sep%2014%2C%207%2045%2028%20AM.jpg/EJewsUkY308gBygH/xVIL4Fzk8XMmzB6fuecsjT6_rvnBEnqIls3Z6zV9R4Y%2CEP9qTzV8jaPD54ravN6FunrDrfsvrv8OzZm3YdwNKqw?size_mode=3&amp;size=2048x1536" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pthA4qBduDs/V9_O9J2A81I/AAAAAAAAAXY/A7VXxwVZ6b0KTiST8TZyecZZDWVJuB7ogCLcB/s1600/James%2B1%2B27%2B%2BOphans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pthA4qBduDs/V9_O9J2A81I/AAAAAAAAAXY/A7VXxwVZ6b0KTiST8TZyecZZDWVJuB7ogCLcB/s320/James%2B1%2B27%2B%2BOphans.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><br />If I am honest, one of the things I was most nervous about coming into this trip was being perceived as the "rich" white people coming in to save the kids and meet all their needs as an American saw their needs. &nbsp;I think so often I have seen or heard about mission work gone wrong, and was fearful of being seen in that way. &nbsp;Therefore in the lead up to our departure, I prayed and prayed and prayed that the Lord would give me eyes to see His children as He sees them, not as I would see them, and I am so grateful He answered that prayer 1000x over. &nbsp;While these children have next to nothing materially, maybe a change of clothes and some other basic items, most of which they can carry with them in a backpack or plastic bag, they have a JOY I have never seen in an American child. &nbsp;It was something you truly have to see to believe. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rp1AZG3o4CI/V-Z94M6CERI/AAAAAAAAAX4/k-12oON-hCQAQlSOMMtenY8LaCfK35jTACLcB/s1600/IMG_2438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rp1AZG3o4CI/V-Z94M6CERI/AAAAAAAAAX4/k-12oON-hCQAQlSOMMtenY8LaCfK35jTACLcB/s320/IMG_2438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">These kiddos lived in the village near camp, and I found them carrying water back to their home from the creek down the hill. &nbsp;They laughed and laughed at this white girl with her camera! &nbsp;But when I asked if I could take their photo, they were giddy and smiled huge! :) &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(In other news, what kind of neck muscles would you have to have to carry that much weight on your head!!??) &nbsp;</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sn_JrBqjcSs/V-Z963vIr4I/AAAAAAAAAX8/1_kF6Pm5JH014rSFiWwBAWtz41eQYk5AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8obNnlKX9JE/V-Z-AvxnmrI/AAAAAAAAAYA/yDLP_lzgpc4SdXks-oRF2LRiLI2cvl2RACLcB/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8obNnlKX9JE/V-Z-AvxnmrI/AAAAAAAAAYA/yDLP_lzgpc4SdXks-oRF2LRiLI2cvl2RACLcB/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-La5EcJbGV0Q/V-aAlHd1uAI/AAAAAAAAAY0/flpKdwzvPuAk4rdIPVurFdq5Qro7GmQzwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-La5EcJbGV0Q/V-aAlHd1uAI/AAAAAAAAAY0/flpKdwzvPuAk4rdIPVurFdq5Qro7GmQzwCLcB/s320/IMG_2448.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is me and a sweet girl called Praise, who was glued to me all week. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I fell in love with that sweet face.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-um82JogIfbc/V-aAzDi37eI/AAAAAAAAAY4/9ONz0LERGmkkzLl-LWll2FI5O3YjeHYRACLcB/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-um82JogIfbc/V-aAzDi37eI/AAAAAAAAAY4/9ONz0LERGmkkzLl-LWll2FI5O3YjeHYRACLcB/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2DQkizwBZw/V-aAzInedUI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ybHgmcRVGNIk0EOX_HjBL52YBC4gKXjJQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2DQkizwBZw/V-aAzInedUI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ybHgmcRVGNIk0EOX_HjBL52YBC4gKXjJQCLcB/s320/IMG_2462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vz-ifFXUvJQ/V-aAzFzT-dI/AAAAAAAAAY8/b7dcme2vMu4o81E8Cb0s5SBnwXM7LqOcQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vz-ifFXUvJQ/V-aAzFzT-dI/AAAAAAAAAY8/b7dcme2vMu4o81E8Cb0s5SBnwXM7LqOcQCLcB/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-1WccPaZVk/V-aAzUp3MtI/AAAAAAAAAZI/GeVy1KIldzUTQeTQ9cQ_gLoHgPNBid-uQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-1WccPaZVk/V-aAzUp3MtI/AAAAAAAAAZI/GeVy1KIldzUTQeTQ9cQ_gLoHgPNBid-uQCLcB/s320/IMG_2464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wVVeMGtL0xw/V-aAzTohbBI/AAAAAAAAAZE/AyrgwG8Bt7MgEVnwSu_DwE4bgR7LKdEVgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wVVeMGtL0xw/V-aAzTohbBI/AAAAAAAAAZE/AyrgwG8Bt7MgEVnwSu_DwE4bgR7LKdEVgCLcB/s320/IMG_2466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: x-small;">These are photos of my class for the week. &nbsp;The bottom is Diana, one of my amazing&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">facilitators who&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">helped with the crowd control and translation! &nbsp;She is the best! &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />With that said, one of the things I found most refreshing while we were in Uganda was this. &nbsp;I asked several different leaders at Buyamba what THEY SAW their children's greatest need as being. &nbsp;As an American, it would have been so easy to look at the material things and believe what the kids need is clothes and toys and/or other misc items... &nbsp;However, I was slightly surprised and extremely delighted to hear 1 of them say LOVE, and the other 2 of them say EDUCATION. &nbsp;Neither of which is a material possession. &nbsp;The gal that told me love explained that because most of the children come from broken homes, the parent or guardian they do have is working long hours for next to NO pay and simply doesnt have the time to love on and encourage the littles in their care. &nbsp;Therefore, the kids are rarely held and hugged and loved on. &nbsp;This was apparent during our visit as so many of the kids just wanted to be touching you all the time. &nbsp;Hugging, holding your hand, sitting on your lap, etc. &nbsp;The other 2 who said education talked about the hope that education gives a child. &nbsp;Education to them means that while things are extremely hard in the present, they have a hope that things can change in the future. &nbsp;Many of the leaders and facilitators who either work for or volunteer with Buyamba today are children who once attended God Cares school as children thanks to the sponsorship of a family in the states. &nbsp;The stories these adults told about what they have overcome was hard to stomach at times... broken homes, parents addicted to one substance or another, siblings who died due to neglect or mistreatment, parents or guardians who literally were unable to put food on the table for days on end, and the examples go on and on and on... And yet, thanks to the work of Buyamba, and the education they received at God Cares school, they have been able to change the course of their lives. &nbsp;Many are now attending college, and they are giving back at the same organization that made such a life changing impact for them. &nbsp;It is a cycle of hope that brings me to tears. &nbsp;And its an organization that is worthy of our prayers, our time, and our financial support. The quote below seems to sum up my thoughts exactly. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>“I am blown away that my God, who could do this all by Himself,&nbsp;</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>would choose to let me be a little part of it.”&nbsp;</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><i>- Katie Davis, Amazima Ministries</i></span></span></div><br />You see, I have been convicted for quite a while that in the Bible God does not "suggest" we take care of the orphans in the world... He commands it. (James 1:27) Yes, that can look differently for different people, but I do believe that if we claim to know Jesus, it is our responsibility to care for those he cares about, and more than that, to do something about it. <br /><br />My hope is that in sharing this experience with so many of my friends and family, that we will be able to get <u><b><i>10 children sponsored</i></b></u> as a result of all I learned. &nbsp;The list of children waiting to be sponsored is endless... For $35/month you can send a child to school, build a relationship with them, send them letters, emails, photos, and even if you would like one day go and visit them! &nbsp;To most Americans, we waste more than $35/month on non-sense most months. &nbsp;This $35 could change the life and course of a real little person and their family forever. &nbsp;Now that I have seen the children, looked into their eyes, and am forever changed as a result of this experience, I am asking you from the bottom of my heart to consider joining me in supporting the work of Buyamba and the children they love so well. As a student at God Cares, the students are taught education as well as discipline when necessary. &nbsp;They are given Godly role models to look up to who love them and lead them well, and who are also willing to discipline and disciple when needed... &nbsp;It truly is an organization where ministry is done well. <br /><br />And please hear my heart. &nbsp;I dont want you to feel sorry or bad for the children in Uganda that need help. &nbsp;The God of the universe loves them far more than I/we ever can, and He WILL provide for them with or without us... so we dont need to feel sorry for them, but we GET to be apart of a solution that can make things better for them! &nbsp;And that is what I am hoping for in sharing my experience with all of you. &nbsp;Its such an exciting prospect!! &nbsp;I hope you will prayerfully consider joining me in it.<br /><br />You can learn more about Buyamba at http://www.ugandabuyamba.com/<br /><br />Below are more photos from my trip. &nbsp;Photos of real life taken with my very own phone. &nbsp;Thanks to the many of you who supported me financially thru this journey. &nbsp;I pray you will continue to pray for and partner with the work happening in Uganda. &nbsp;It is definitely God's work. <br /><br />I feel like I write about my trip for days, but for now I will leave it at this. &nbsp;I will write more soon. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8obNnlKX9JE/V-Z-AvxnmrI/AAAAAAAAAYE/7BKbuz32yhEhSFsvT1P5v-VIAHuVKpygACEw/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8obNnlKX9JE/V-Z-AvxnmrI/AAAAAAAAAYE/7BKbuz32yhEhSFsvT1P5v-VIAHuVKpygACEw/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stella and Shadrach... 2 of my loves from the week!! &nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stella was such a joy and encouragement to me as she translated loads and explained many cultural difference to me with grace! &nbsp;&lt;3 &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVyECBnX3tI/V-Z_b9M-hcI/AAAAAAAAAYg/NaVKE1uC9vIZSgzDkft-l4fm5jXQROWAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVyECBnX3tI/V-Z_b9M-hcI/AAAAAAAAAYg/NaVKE1uC9vIZSgzDkft-l4fm5jXQROWAgCLcB/s320/IMG_2510.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This little girl was carrying her things across camp. &nbsp;I asked her if I could take her photo, b/c who doesnt carry their bag on their head??? :) &nbsp;Precious!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdF5HswYBpI/V-Z_VSRySUI/AAAAAAAAAYc/4qLrIo34-3cGSAK0kQ__W-zX4l35QZ0vACLcB/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdF5HswYBpI/V-Z_VSRySUI/AAAAAAAAAYc/4qLrIo34-3cGSAK0kQ__W-zX4l35QZ0vACLcB/s320/IMG_2508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is the play ground at camp. &nbsp;The kids were all over this thing every chance they got!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTXnET-RVtg/V-Z_LiuK0BI/AAAAAAAAAYY/u_-I8dJIyzca5pErhbwDT64bFxRmIpCqwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTXnET-RVtg/V-Z_LiuK0BI/AAAAAAAAAYY/u_-I8dJIyzca5pErhbwDT64bFxRmIpCqwCLcB/s320/IMG_2539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A view from our bus as we drove towards camp.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5jOqhNkflg/V-Z--6_Up8I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/5lkKoD3HC0QnGRvTdsWFgwpGuzKCAj72ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5jOqhNkflg/V-Z--6_Up8I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/5lkKoD3HC0QnGRvTdsWFgwpGuzKCAj72ACLcB/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just some boys walking their goats. :) &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-andB5fvrNAI/V-Z-wZA9yeI/AAAAAAAAAYM/FEPoZqHw9hY246xbe-HQV5SXu5IgSXK_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-andB5fvrNAI/V-Z-wZA9yeI/AAAAAAAAAYM/FEPoZqHw9hY246xbe-HQV5SXu5IgSXK_QCLcB/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The primary school! &nbsp;Grateful to God that this place exists. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLhMGZv2Nkk/V-aAHrjRP8I/AAAAAAAAAYo/pgCTaa85-OsCc4qwlUO02wabEoGgHV8lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLhMGZv2Nkk/V-aAHrjRP8I/AAAAAAAAAYo/pgCTaa85-OsCc4qwlUO02wabEoGgHV8lQCLcB/s320/IMG_2348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-TcSk6IUoI/V-aAVAjLFmI/AAAAAAAAAYw/tJzQ9GLPwMEmstDclxd1kKv2X0pNGKhkgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-TcSk6IUoI/V-aAVAjLFmI/AAAAAAAAAYw/tJzQ9GLPwMEmstDclxd1kKv2X0pNGKhkgCLcB/s320/IMG_2347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;The view from the top floor of the school. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G61TbaKq8aY/V-Z-jultAwI/AAAAAAAAAYI/IjgFZF8fJ0EfwiaZsV9DbI2fi7O__DKQwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G61TbaKq8aY/V-Z-jultAwI/AAAAAAAAAYI/IjgFZF8fJ0EfwiaZsV9DbI2fi7O__DKQwCLcB/s320/IMG_2352.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of the walls in the schools classroom. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sn_JrBqjcSs/V-Z963vIr4I/AAAAAAAAAX8/1_kF6Pm5JH014rSFiWwBAWtz41eQYk5AgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sn_JrBqjcSs/V-Z963vIr4I/AAAAAAAAAX8/1_kF6Pm5JH014rSFiWwBAWtz41eQYk5AgCLcB/s320/IMG_2526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My new friend Thanks Dongo, who's family is on the front lines&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">doing God's work loving the children of Uganda.&nbsp;</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-64652199363541646122016-06-26T22:38:00.000-04:002016-06-26T22:38:04.708-04:00Learning to SwimBeginning last summer, I had several different opportunities to take my lovely friends children to the pool. &nbsp;I dont know if you have ever had the opportunity to teach a child to swim, but it can be total chaos, particularly in the early stages. &nbsp;Tossing any hope of technique right out the window, the initial goal is to simply move from point A to point B and still be alive at the end of it. &nbsp;We attempt to teach the child how to move in ANY type of forward motion, and while they are getting the hang of moving both arms and legs at the same time while not guzzling to much water in the process, it can look like a total mess. &nbsp;I remember my dad taught all 3 of us kids how to swim, and dad was a giant. &nbsp;But, he was also not easily moved by tears or drama. &nbsp;Dad taught you what to do, and then he expected ( read "forced") us to let go of the wall and give it a go. &nbsp;He knew we werent going to drown, looking back now I know of course that is b/c he wasnt going to go far enough that he couldnt easily get to us if we were in trouble, but that we wouldnt learn unless we let go of the wall and applied the skills he had just taught us. &nbsp;When it came to learning life lessons, necessary skills, and all things safety, one thing I remember from childhood that is still true today mind you, is that we kids could not tell dad "I cant." &nbsp;He wasnt buying. &nbsp;"Oh horse!" would most likely be his reply to that nonsensical statement. <br /><br />As I was driving to church this morning, the thought came to me that walking with the Lord has so many parallels to a child learning to swim. &nbsp;Just like an earthly father teaching his children to swim, the Lord loves us so much He wants us to learn life skills and get better at doing certain things over time. &nbsp;And just as a child who is learning to swim for the very first time, the beginning is messy and the sole goal of the whole experience is survival! &nbsp;All I can focus on in that moment is getting to dad and grabbing on for dear life. <br /><br />This visual reminds me of the first time I had to walk thru something incredibly difficult in my personal walk with the Lord, trusting Him in new ways that were stripping me down to the heart of what I believed... It was MESSY. &nbsp;It was HARD. &nbsp;It was PAINFUL. &nbsp;But guess what? &nbsp;I got better. &nbsp;I got better at trusting my Father. &nbsp;I got better at reading the signs and learning the skills necessary to survive in new territory. &nbsp;By the end of that season, much like a child who has just learned to swim but continued to swim all summer, I wasnt nearly as afraid. &nbsp;I wasnt the same person who had started the summer not knowing how to do this. &nbsp;The next time we get in the water again, we remember what we learned last time. &nbsp;We get a little more brave. &nbsp;We swim a little bit farther. &nbsp;And it starts looking a lot less chaotic. &nbsp;Perhaps we even learn to roll over onto our backs and float for a while when we get tired in the middle of a long swim?<br /><br />Just like my earthly father wouldnt let fear keep me from learning to swim because he knew how much I would miss out on in life if I didnt have that skill in my back pocket, how much more does our Heavenly Father who created every single thing about us know what we need? &nbsp;To a child who has never swam before, holding onto the edge of that pool looking at their dad 12 feet away feels like an impossible ask... Even as an adult, I have been in that place. &nbsp;When God is asking me to learn or grow or trust Him in a new way, and I am standing in all I know and understand I am thinking "You want me to do WHAT??" &nbsp;Child learning to swim or adult on the verge of something new and scary, the thought processes are the same. <br /><br />But you know what else is the same? &nbsp;Our Father is there, standing ever so close by, believing that even tho its hard, the reward will be so worth it. &nbsp;And thru this painful but loving process, we, the child, we get better. &nbsp;We learn to trust. &nbsp;We improve our technique. &nbsp;We grow in confidence. &nbsp;And one day, thru the lessons we learned, we can teach, encourage, support, and love the many coming after us.<br /><br />If I can learn and grow and get better at this... SO. CAN. YOU. <br /><br /><i>Dont stop in the middle of the pool. &nbsp;Dont throw in the towel before your miracle. &nbsp;What are you walking thru right now that you can learn from and grow so that one day you can love on and encourage those who may come behind you? &nbsp;Has there been any one particular take away that has kept you grounded during this season of growth?</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-20003599256479129332016-06-11T10:29:00.002-04:002016-06-26T19:01:08.604-04:00Thy Will by Hillary Scott <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a brand new song that has spoken deeply to my spirit in the midst of hard days recently. &nbsp;I wanted to include it here because I know it will have a profound impact on so many of you as well. &nbsp;It raises such good questions about what our response should be when we are walking through life with the Lord and things do not go the way we thought they would go. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How do the lyrics speak to you? &nbsp;In what ways can you relate to the message in this song?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THY WILL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PAmh3yvmzXs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAmh3yvmzXs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">I’m so confused<br />I know I heard you loud and clear<br />So, I followed through<br />Somehow I ended up here</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">I don’t wanna think<br />I may never understand<br />That my broken heart is a part of your plan<br />When I try to pray<br />All I’ve got is hurt and these four words</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">Thy will be done (x3)</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">I know you’re good<br />But this don’t feel good right now<br />And I know you think<br />Of things I could never think about</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">It’s hard to count it all joy<br />Distracted by the noise<br />Just trying to make sense<br />Of all your promises<br />Sometimes I gotta stop<br />Remember that you’re God<br />And I am not<br />So</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">Thy will be done (X3)<br />Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is<br />Thy will be done (X2)<br />Thy will</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">I know you see me<br />I know you hear me, Lord<br />Your plans are for me<br />Goodness you have in store</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">I know you hear me<br />I know you see me, Lord<br />Your plans are for me<br />Goodness you have in store<br />So</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">Thy will be done (X3)<br />Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is<br />Thy will be done (X3)</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #332b21; font-family: Lato, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 18px;">I know you see me<br />I know you hear me, Lord</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-42816780824958419492016-06-09T15:46:00.003-04:002016-06-26T19:01:20.262-04:00The Illusion of ControlWhen I was in college one of my favorite new shows on TV at the time was Survivor. &nbsp;Not only did I love seeing all the different places in the world the franchise videographers showcased so beautifully, I loved watching the interactions of so many different personalities attempt to work together for a common goal. &nbsp;Sometimes they did that well, but often times, it was a total calamity. &nbsp;We see with challenge after challenge, and day after day, differing personalities, compounded by incredibly tough living situations, limited food options, and poor or total lack of sleep really exposes the raw heart of each and every contestant, and more often than not, the picture is not very pretty. <br /><br />Clearly, as it just completed its 31st season, Survivor is not longer a new show on TV. :) &nbsp;I recently discovered many of the old seasons on Netflix and started watching it again, just for fun. One thing continues to jump out at me over and over again, and it has reached a point where I actually laugh every single time it happens. &nbsp;In the private interviews done with every single one of the Survivors, over and over and over and OVER again you hear them make a comment to the effect of, "I am in total control of this game." &nbsp;At any given point you may hear 2-3 different people make an almost identical comment, and every time I chuckle and roll my eyes, because as we watch the game, albeit edited and after the fact, one thing continues to be clear. &nbsp;They are almost always about to have the rug pulled out from under them. &nbsp;As is to be expected in a game called Survivor, who's sole purpose is for 1 of the 20 contestants to win $1,000,000 leaving the other 19 people with nothing, every single person there is looking out for themselves, and their position in the game is almost never as secure as they think. <br /><br />As someone who has seen many a season of this game now, I would expect that as the years went on and the contestants saw more and more of the shows seasons unfold before them (making what I would expect to be a fairly safe assumption that the people who apply to be on the show are in fact super fans and have watched every single episode before going for the SOLE purpose of learning what has and has NOT worked for other people in the past), they themselves would be more cautious of speaking with such certainty into a camera. &nbsp;Perhaps even more ideal would be not only they not say it, but that they not be so naive as to believe they are in that kind of control?? &nbsp;I mean, as a viewer I sit there and totally laugh, saying to my TV, how can you be that aloof?? <br /><br />But now we have arrived at a place where the truth begins to hurt, and in a moment that if it was to be captured cartoon style would be the stick figure with the bubbles appearing over her head, it occurred to me that while I was laughing at this blatant cluelessness on a TV show, the experience is actually one that I am totally guilty of as well. <br /><br />All to often, when things are going my way; work, school, family life, social life, pick your x life, I begin to live as tho I am in control of my own life. &nbsp;If people were to ask us, on camera or off, we would honestly say and believe, I am in control of this game (of life) right now. &nbsp;We make decisions as if that were true, we set our expectations, both of ourselves and of others as if we have a plan, and we are incredibly frustrated when hiccups arise and wrinkle or all together toss out "our plans." &nbsp;We were in control! &nbsp;What the heck is happening to my plan?<br /><br />Even as I write this post I feel like it sounds so arrogant, but I know deep down that if I am honest with myself, I live this way far more often than I'd like to be true. &nbsp;When things are going my way, and life is happening on my terms, I get comfortable and begin to live and operate out of a false sense of being in control of my life. &nbsp;I have a feeling many of you reading this can relate to this truth as well.<br /><br />I am not sure if you are reading this blog with a church background or context or not. &nbsp;For me, as a believer in Christ, I am grateful for the truth of Scripture, and for the many ways it points me back to my Creator when I find myself slipping into and operating out of a place of false security. Proverbs 16:9 is so clear that we can plan and plan and plan, but at the end of the day, God is the one in control of how the cards fall. &nbsp;For a control freak such as myself, for most of my life to date, that has been incredibly hard to accept, and yet, every single time I got to the other side of the hard thing I did not choose, I have been able to look back and see the hand of my loving Heavenly Father holding me every step of the way. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEQ2XTUJKts/V1nAMGS9DJI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ARmE8qR-QCItO4aMKlqgx75C00D7AiBpgCLcB/s1600/Prov%2B16%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEQ2XTUJKts/V1nAMGS9DJI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ARmE8qR-QCItO4aMKlqgx75C00D7AiBpgCLcB/s320/Prov%2B16%2B9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In what ways can you relate to living with a false sense of being in control of your own life? &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-89245448327437101022015-05-06T22:04:00.005-04:002015-05-06T22:04:51.729-04:00Facing the GiantsI am not sure if you have seen this movie or not, but its one that I need to watch at least once a year. Sometimes more! &nbsp;Yes it has a ton of cheesy bits in it, and I laugh at loud at some of those even tho I have seen it at least 20x, but the overall message is so encouraging to my soul. &nbsp;I think thats because I can totally relate to the pain and struggle of the characters. &nbsp;I know exactly what it feels like to battle the idea of trusting the Lord, even when nothing looks the way we want it to look. &nbsp;When work isnt going well, and God isnt bringing us the spouse or kids we feel like we deserve, and money is tight, and on and on and on... Those moments, when every thing seems to be up for grabs, and we get to choose if we really believe God is who He says He is. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite scenes from the whole movie is when coach makes Brock crawl across the football field, blindfolded, with a teammate on his back. &nbsp;The part of the scene that always brings me to tears is when coach Taylor, crawling alongside Brock on the field, is in his face, screaming, challenging, encouraging Brock to keep going, no matter how much pain he is in. &nbsp;He sees the potential in this natural leader on his team, and he calls out the best in him, even when the player cant see it in himself. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>This scene always reminds me of the people the Lord has put in my path, who encourage, challenge, and continue to point me to Jesus when I am unable to see the path for myself. &nbsp;Those people are so critical to my survival in this world. &nbsp;Life is so crazy sometimes! &nbsp;These seasons come to all of us... Sometimes they are months, sometimes they are years and years long! &nbsp;But, no matter how long the season, the friends that surround you on your journey will always be either your lifeline, or they will aid in your destruction. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>My prayer for each of you this week is that you will be reminded of how faithful the Lord is, even when nothing appears to be going as you would choose. &nbsp;God dosent see the world the way we see it, and He isnt limited by the things we find limiting. &nbsp;Miracles happen every day. &nbsp;Lets take God at His word, and see what amazing things come of that. &nbsp;He may not change the circumstances around you. &nbsp;But He will definitely change something within you. &nbsp;And you can be assured of this. &nbsp;No matter how He chooses to work, it will ultimately turn out for the better for you. &nbsp;:)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to hear your stories of trusting God with big things!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>JG</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-50056698778506518492015-01-04T11:23:00.001-05:002015-01-04T11:32:02.986-05:00Why Hello there, friends... Its been quite a while... <span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is nearly impossible to believe its been 8 years since I wrote my last entry. &nbsp;As I decided to reenter the online world of Thinking Out Loud, my initial plan was to start from scratch. &nbsp;However, I soon realized that I really like both my blog's name and url... and I was pretty impressed with my 8 years ago self for being so clever! &nbsp;SO, I gave my page a little (or, dare a say BIG) face lift, and I am going to push forward, continuing to explore this planet and all its complex realities while attempting to keep from of mind the reality that no matter where I find myself, we are all, Far From Home. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And with that summary of how I got from there to here clearly in place, I proceed. </span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Obviously, quite a lot in life has changed in the 8 years since I last blogged. &nbsp;Yet oddly enough, quite a lot is much the same. &nbsp;Life is so funny that way. I am told aprox 3-4 times each year that one of the things people love most about me is that I say what other people are thinking... The older I get the more I realize that's not always a good thing, and therefore I am constantly in an internal battle to balance speaking freely and tempering that every so forceful urge at points to say whatever comes into my brain. &nbsp;I am coming to terms with the fact that this will likely be a life long battle of mine... my own cross to bear if I can say, and I am learning to be OK with that. &nbsp;But, as with almost everything in life, some people love that about me, and others (usually my own mother included) could do without that pesky little trait... and truth be known, the older I get, the more comfortable I am becoming with the validity of both those perspectives. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;We all have areas we can grow, right?&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But, being that that trait does tend to come more naturally to me than most, my hope is that in some way I will be able to connect with the many others of you in the world who often find yourself holding minority opinions, and not quite sure how to engage those points in the world. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I, am not a people pleaser. &nbsp;I never have been. &nbsp;Its not how I am wired. &nbsp;I spent a large part of my life feeling like this was a bad thing and I was less valued or important&nbsp;because&nbsp;I saw things differently. &nbsp;And, truth be known it will likely&nbsp;take a lifetime of walking with the Lord and doing life with grace filled and loving people to undo that damage completely. &nbsp;So, know this, precious readers, whoever you are:&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />This is a safe place to learn. &nbsp;To grow. &nbsp;To ask questions! &nbsp;And to be loved not because of, but in spite of yourself. &nbsp;I will <u>never</u> be ok with rudeness or disrespect. &nbsp;But thoughtful and challenging questions or perspectives...that friends, is how we all become better at this game of life. &nbsp;I do believe there are absolute truths in the world. &nbsp;But I believe there are far fewer of those than many others would like me to think. &nbsp;I think there is LOTS of grey, and I believe that most people really are doing the best they can.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I am excited to start this journey with you. &nbsp;You are welcome here. &nbsp;Grab a coffee. &nbsp;Read. &nbsp;Ask. Know you are valued and loved.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I look forward to getting to know you. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: #38761d;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-9031934851014388832007-04-12T22:06:00.000-04:002007-04-12T22:22:46.512-04:00Grudem... Not so trying after all.<img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/JORDAN%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/TEMP/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/JORDAN%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/TEMP/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /> <div class="productDesc imgBorder" style="margin-right: 8px; position: relative; top: 3px; float: left; text-align: left;"> <img src="http://www.resources.newfrontiers.xtn.org/images/a-picmain/Books/0851115942.jpg" alt="Bible Doctrine" /> </div> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Never in a million years would I have guessed that one day I would pick up a book like this and read it because I was eager to learn more about the deep theological concepts that define the faith that leads and guides the course of my life. <br /><br />HOWEVER, God has a sense of humor! This past week I did just that. I missed studying this type of thing. And I miss the friends I used to sit around for hours on end discussing such topics with. But, surprisingly, I am enjoying being reminded afresh of how faith in Jesus does make sense, and it is sound!<br /><br /> I have always been much more of a feeler than a thinker. I am emotionally connected to the truth of the gospel. Things have to be logical for me to accept them, but I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span> spend hours pouring over the tiny details looking for flaws in the very solid <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">argument</span>. I take God at His word. That seems reasonable enough to me. I see how He works in my life and the lives of those I know who trust Him, as well as in the world of people who wont even acknowledge He <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">exists</span>, and I am assured over and over again that there is truth in what He says. <br /><br />But once in a while I get curious and want to go a bit further into understanding the theology, so for the 1st time in 3 years, I have picked up this book by choice, and I am working through portions of it. I have to say its a pretty good read. You should check it out sometime. (But never b/c you have to read the whole thing in 9 months and write papers on what you think line 7 on page 322 has to do with eating ice cream after dinner!) <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OK</span> so maybe I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">exaggerated</span> a little there at the end... but you get the point....Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1158082964448162792006-09-12T12:52:00.000-04:002006-09-14T08:18:35.203-04:00It was not God's fault<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GON/gon001-Twin_Towers_Explode.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GON/gon001-Twin_Towers_Explode.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Every year Sept 11 comes and goes here in the US, and every year we get to hear and watch 24-72 hrs of people mourning, sobbing, and trying to work out how and why such a tragedy could happen in this great nation. But last night I finally had to shut the TV off, after about 20 minutes of watching religious leaders from all faiths and many many people who would profess to be Christians, saying they have turned their backs on God for allowing the tragedies of Sept 11 to take place. That just makes me so sad, and it brought several things to mind.<br /><br />My bible teaches that God does not cause sin, people sin. And Satan is real, and powerful. He is the king of all lies. And he will do whatever he can to deter and destroy the faith of those who know and love the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We live in a fallen world. Sin affects everyone and everything that we know and love. I myself am one of the reasons that this world is not perfect. And God looks at the sin in my life as equally offensive and disgusting as He looks at the sin in yours, and at the sin in those who caused the events of Sept 11th.<br /><br />God did not cause Sept 11th. He did not cause Hurricane Katrina. He did not cause the Tsunami that killed so many people in and around Thailand. We can not as a human race love and appreciate the creator and maker of the world when things are going are way, and then detest and ignore that same creator when things happen that we can not explain. When sin enters are lives and touches us in a truely painful and real way.<br /><br />God knows pain and loss. The Father sent HIS ONLY SON to the cross, allowed him to become that which He most despises, and turned His back on the Son who had done nothing wrong.<br /><br />The SON knows pain and loss. His whole life He was despised and rejected. His friends never truly got who He was, and when push came to shove, they ALL abandoned Him. Every last one, and He died the most grusome death know to man at that time, and He did it alone.<br /><br />The SPIRIT knows pain and loss. He guides my heart everyday, leading me in the ways that are good and right, and daily I make decisions that reject and ignore Him. Everyday I do things that say I know that is right or this is wrong, but I am going to do it my way anyway. Thanks for the nudging Spirit, but I have this one.<br /><br />I dont seek to know or explain how and why the things happen on this earth as they do. I dont think life is easy and I know for sure that there are things that happen which make me look at God and ask, why? But not knowing the answers doesnt make me love God less, or trust Him partially. It causes me to turn back to His Word and to rely more deeply on His promises. And He promises me that one day He will RIGHT ALL WRONGS. That He will come again and redeem and gather HIS PEOPLE. And that one day I will look him square in the face and then I will KNOW all that I dont know now.<br /><br />I long for that day... sometimes more than others. It is not fair to blame God for the sin in this world or for any of the ways that sin affects human lives. We are not God. We dont see the bigger picture. But, Jesus did. And He does now. That is the hope that I am left with to go on. And if thats what God is willing to give me, I will take it.<br /><br />Know this for sure: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ WILL come again.<br />Then, and not now, we will know fully, just as we are fully known.<br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1157241851318144742006-09-02T19:58:00.000-04:002006-09-02T20:04:11.336-04:00Earl Grey Tea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1621892/2/istockphoto_1621892_earl_grey_tea_jar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1621892/2/istockphoto_1621892_earl_grey_tea_jar.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The weather here in Pittsburgh is starting to turn fall-ish. The past few days have been quite brisk and rainy, and one of the first things that came to my mind as I sat chilly in my apt was was a great cup of milky earl grey. YUM!<br /><br />This tea drinking thing has totally taken me back to my English roots and reminded me that there is almost nothing a nice warm cuppa tea cant fix. I know my tea drinking friends will be proud. When I have guests now, one of the first things I find myself saying is, "Would you like some tea?" My how I miss you Brits!<br /><br />Drink up!Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1156562556982319922006-08-25T23:09:00.000-04:002006-08-25T23:22:36.996-04:00The Texas Longhorn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/1600/IMG_0410.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/320/IMG_0410.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/1600/IMG_0408.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/320/IMG_0408.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/1600/IMG_0416.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/320/IMG_0416.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Yes. This is a Texas Longhorn. While visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousin in Austin TX, I insisted we stop the car so that I could get out, climb up, and take a picture. The flaw in my design is that we were also in Texas heat (end of July the daily avg was well over 100 degrees outside. This photo was take at about mid day) and this statue was made of Texas metal. SOOOOOOOOO.... my feet, my butt, my legs, my body were on FIRE!! And then I had to sit there and pose for pictures while I literally felt like I was standing in a campfire.<br /><br />Oh, the things that seem like good ideas when we set out.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1155879036044799262006-08-18T01:07:00.000-04:002006-08-18T01:30:36.066-04:00To Begin<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Its a terrifying thing to begin. To begin anything at all. The rewards are but rumors then. The glories are but gossip. To taste and see, we must venture into the murky waters of inexperience. And that is, indeed a terrifying thing. But, its more terrifying still, to stand ashore and wish it could someday truely be true." - Tristam Gylberd</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I came across this quote on a sister's website, and wow did it strike me as powerful. I am so grateful for the ways in which the Lord has created me to be someone who steps out. Dares to try new things. Is ok with being different. Is ok with not always seeing the credits when the show is but 3 minutes in. However, being that person does not come without a cost. I see Peter in myself over and over again. Willingly and gladly able to step out of the boat, trying something new, and proclaiming "You are the Christ!" But, within seemingly minutes of starting this new venture of which I was completely convinced, starting to doubt, wonder, and inevitably sink in my own faithlessness. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I know the head knowledge. Not all of it, but more than the basics. And yet still I doubt, faulter, and have to come back to the gospel again. Sometimes I dont know much more than what I can see right there in front of me. Sometimes all He sees fit to give me is what I can barely see through the murky water that is engulfing my very step. But thanks to the love and assurence of friends and Christ, I take the next step. Dare to try newer, greater, and more challenging tasks. Go bigger and better places. Share the gospel with more and more people. Step outside my comfort zone with a purpose that is far larger than myself. <br /><br />It is only when I am able to put myself on the sideline, that I am able to see more clearly than ever what new things He is designing for my life. Thank you Lord for making me one who is able to take risks. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your great plan. <br /></span>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1145185294460136112006-04-15T09:47:00.001-04:002006-04-16T07:01:41.320-04:00Remembering Grace this Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/1600/IMG_0234.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/320/IMG_0234.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">This photo of Julia and I was taken in Feb during our visit to Washington DC. It has nothing to do with my post, but is a cool picture so I wanted to share!<br /><br /><br /></span>HAPPY EASTER!!!<br /><br />These months back in Pgh have given me many opportunities to think back over my Relay lessons, and remember grace. I know that is one thing that has definately changed in me since leaving Pgh. And it has given me a whole new perspective on life.<br /><br />As Easter is upon us, I am reminded yet again of the fact that it is not because of anything I do that I am saved, but it has everything to do with what Jesus has done for me. I try daily to share the reality of that grace with those around me. I am reminded of how sinful I am, and how often I fall short of living like Jesus among my friends and family. But yet again, I go back to grace. Friends remind me. Its not about you Jordan. Its about Jesus. Its always about Jesus.<br /><br />This Easter I hope you can rejoice and find great joy in celebrating all that Jesus did for us by not only dying on the cross, but by overcoming death, rising again, and giving us the promise of a life in heaven with him forever!! WOO HOO!!!!<br /><br />HE IS RISEN!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1141439057026833342006-03-03T21:18:00.000-05:002006-03-03T21:24:17.036-05:00Cat and Dog Theology"A dog says, 'You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, you must be God.' A cat says,' You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be God.' "<br /><br />I was really struck by this quote and its seeming inferences to people. What do others think? (Thanks Dave for posting the quote elsewhere to get my brain thinking.)Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1140205199967895222006-02-17T13:40:00.000-05:002006-02-17T14:40:00.016-05:00Coffee and ConversationIt has always struck me how many people you can get to know just by serving them coffee. People come in and talk to me about the strangest of things. Its just being a constant familiar face that sometimes allows people to come in and offload the most intense and frustrating things in their lives. (Keep in mind, I am in America now where people talk to people they dont know anyway.) But some of the things they say... that is the facination.<br /><br />What is the strangest question you have ever been asked? Or how about that you asked someone else? How did you or they respond? <br /><br />I think we have so much to learn from people we hardly know. People are interesting... and everyone has a story.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1134436329648313182005-12-12T19:42:00.000-05:002005-12-12T20:12:09.656-05:00Just Hanging Out<div align="left"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/640/Epic%2012%20November%20-%20Hone%20%26%20Teri%20%282%29.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3234/1910/320/Epic%2012%20November%20-%20Hone%20%26%20Teri%20%282%29.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Waitomo, NZ- 100m absailing<br /><br /></span>Well, thats me in NZ, a photo I thought I would share. I guess that was a more literal way of hanging out, but in my day to day life at this point, I am feeling much the same as I look in that picture. No, I dont spend hours a day suspended on a small rope seemingly miles about the earths surface, but I am in that place in life right now where the Lord has me just waiting, and for what I am not sure. If you are someone like me, that is a huge request. I like to have a plan, a mission, and be working diligently towards it. I dont like to be waiting around, looking around, feeling like everyone else is on their mission and passing me by. I am not patient by nature, for those of you who know me, that is not a surprise. I have to work hard and be intentional about being patient, and thats a lesson I am learning day by day, and expect I will continue to learn until Jesus returns. <br /><br />As I have been going through and listening to a sermon series on several chapters in Matthew, I was really encouraged to yet again hear preaching about grace. Something said that really struck me was this. <strong>We are offered total forgiveness for our sins in this world, in this lifetime, but sometimes total healing has to wait until the world to come.</strong> This is the grace that is offered to me, and to each of you, through Jesus's death on the cross. This quote refers to the healing of the paralytic in Matt 9, in reference to the fact that there were many others whom Jesus forgave, but did not heal instantly. I am responsible for the decisions and choices I make in this lifetime, and sometimes I make bad ones, shocking I know! ;-) But these bad decisions need no longer seperate me from the Father, or close doors in my relationship with Him. Instead, I find myself now more than ever, daily coming back to Him, empty handed, saying Lord, I need more grace. And b/c of Jesus, I know the response I receive is, Jordan I love you, here you are. I know these lessons may sound basic and obvious, but the truth in them never ceases to give me goosebumps. So, I press on, waiting on the Lord, loving His people where I am, and trying harder each day to be more patient, and more like Jesus, that I was the day before. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>&nbsp;<a href='http://picasa.google.com/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a> Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1133663753707984462005-12-04T00:34:00.000-05:002005-12-03T21:35:53.716-05:00Christmas is coming...Gosh. Its crazy to me how busy the world gets a Christmas time. It gets so busy in fact that it is nearly impossible to keep an sane lifestyle around Christmas time. Even if you are working hard at not getting caught up in the rush, the craziness of traffic, shops, friends, and co workers is still enough to get you sucked in in one way or another. Santa, reindeer, elves, presents, food, parties, and on and on and on. Is a fake fat man in a big red suit really worth all this fuss?? Why arent are families and friends this important to us all year long? Why are they only super important at this time of year? I know even I am guilty in small ways of feeling this way at least once in a while, but just b/c we think this way doesnt make it right. <br /><br /><br />To help me keep persepective so far this Christmas, as the songs have been playing non stop on all the radio stations in town, I have really enjoyed listening to the words and reflecting on the gospel messages of Jesus Christ that fill the lines of most of the good old tunes. <br /><br />For example: Joy to the world, the Lord is come!<br />Let earth receive her King;<br />Let every heart prepare Him room,<br />And Heaven and nature sing,<br /><br />OR<br /><br />Silent night, holy night,<br />Son of God, love’s pure light;<br />Radiant beams from Thy holy face<br />With the dawn of redeeming grace,<br />Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,<br /><br />OR<br /><br />Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,<br />Born this happy morning,<br />Jesus, to Thee be<br />All glory giv'n;<br />Word of the Father,<br />Now in the flesh appearing!<br /><br />What an awesome God we serve. And how awesome where the old hymn writers of years gone by of capturing that amazing message. Whats your favorite Christmas hymn?? Enjoy the season. Christ, our Savior, was BORN!Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19344185.post-1133058674910731412005-11-27T00:29:00.000-05:002005-11-26T21:31:14.916-05:00Learning the RopesHello all!<br /><br />Well, I have just set up a new blog to keep you all in the loop as far as what is going on with me. The thing is, I dont yet know how to work anything! <br /><br />So, I am going to try to get this set up and looking at least a little pretty. I will write more when I know more. And I have no idea how long that will take!<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />JordanJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604246185024105041noreply@blogger.com2